Bangla Press Desk: This year, 50,850 people have entered Europe illegally — 2% more than last year — by crossing the dangerous Mediterranean route in rickety boats, with Bangladeshis topping the list of those taking this perilous journey.
Although overall irregular migration to Europe has declined by 22% this year, the number of people entering through this route has slightly increased.
In September alone, 8,046 people made the crossing. The majority of them were Bangladeshis, according to the latest report by Frontex, the European Border and Coast Guard Agency.
The report states that from January to September, a total of 133,400 people entered Europe irregularly. Nationals of Bangladesh, Egypt, and Morocco make up the largest groups. Stricter surveillance and reinforced border controls have reduced overall irregular entries this year.
Illegal crossings via the West African route have fallen by 58%, via the Western Balkan route by 47%, and through Eastern Europe’s land borders by 36%. However, the Central Mediterranean route remains the most frequently used path, particularly for migrants heading to Italy, accounting for nearly 40% of all irregular entries into Europe.
In contrast, irregular migration through the Western Mediterranean route has increased by 28%. In September, crossings through this route rose by more than half, with three-quarters of migrants departing from Algeria.
Meanwhile, attempts to enter the United Kingdom illegally via the English Channel through France have increased by 14%. As of September this year, 54,300 people have attempted to cross into the UK.
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) reported that while the total number of irregular entries into Europe has slightly declined, the humanitarian crisis remains severe. As of September, at least 1,299 people have died attempting to cross the Mediterranean.
The rising death toll underscores that many are still willing to risk their lives in pursuit of reaching Europe.
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